“I don’t think you not dating Declan is actually the problem,” Grainne said.
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused. Aisling turned over onto her side, her eyes partially opened, ready to engage a bit more in conversation.
“About twenty years ago Daddy was in a business. His good friend Jim and him owned a pub. Business was great and they did real well. After a couple years they started feuding a bit over the money. When business wasn’t so good they each thought the other was at fault.”
“It was all downhill from there,” Aisling continued. “The two of them disagreed on how the pub should have been run, and were in constant argument over who had more ownership of the pub. Soon enough Jim was fed up, cheated Daddy out of loads of money, and moved on.”
“That’s terrible,” I said.
“Daddy lost loads of money, and the pub,” Grainne added.
“I don’t quite understand one thing though.”
“What?” Grainne said.
“What does this have to do with my Liam/Declan situation?”
“Oh right. I almost forgot,” Aisling said. “Jim is Liam’s father.”
I gasped. My heart started pounding and my palms began to sweat.
“Daddy’s a bit bitter about the whole thing. I’d say your best bet is to keep quiet about it.” Grainne suggested.
“Jack’s been so nice to me. I just wouldn’t feel right lying to his face like that. I’ll talk to him,” I said falling backwards and letting my head hit the pillow hard. I grabbed a second pillow, covered my face, and screamed into it as loud as I could. Why me? Why this guy? Why couldn’t Jack hate Declan’s father? Thoughts raced through my head as I decided what my next move would be.
I leaned over to see the time, eleven thirty. I hopped out of bed with a plan.
“I have to talk to Declan,” I said aloud, once out of bed. I grabbed the brush off the dresser, fixed my hair up into a ponytail, put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I went into the bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth. When I came back into the bedroom Grainne and Aisling had both dozed off again. I put on the first pair of shoes I saw lying on the floor, grabbed a sweatshirt, went downstairs without saying a word to Jack or Una, and slammed the door behind me. Just as I had suspected, Declan was sitting on the wall in front of his house with two of his friends. It was a nice day and the glare from the sun kept me from seeing the other two boys’ faces. I walked toward him determined to tell him exactly how I felt about his behavior. He saw me walking toward him and said something to his friends. They turned and saw me coming and walked off in the opposite direction.
“Look, don’t say anything. Just let me explain myself,” he said before I had even reached him. When I finally stood before him, I noticed things about his looks and his actions that I had never seen before. I was so ashamed of the previous night when I had seen things in him I never wanted to see. His face wasn’t calm or comforting, as it had been when I first met him. I looked inside him and felt confused.
“Listen. I like you. I like you a lot. I was jealous and I shouldn’t have done what I did but I’m not going to deny how it made me feel, and pretty much, it felt bad, but I understand your disappointment in me.”
“Well, I am disappointed in you. Basically it was so out of character and I feel like I don’t even know you anymore.” I was frustrated just looking at him and I turned to leave. He grabbed my hand and jumped off the wall. He swung me around toward him and kissed my lips hard. He squeezed my arms like he was never letting me go. When we separated I looked at him with disgust. He searched my face for hope, a little spark inside me that I knew wasn’t there. Deep down he knew it too. I slapped his face just as hard as he had kissed me and walked away without looking back to see the shocked look on his face. When I came back inside, Jack was standing in the hallway.
“Whatever he did to make you that mad was a mistake. “Just give him another chance,” he said. “He’s a good kid; a nice kid.” He walked away into the kitchen with his cup of tea in hand and I realized that it was in fact a demand. I followed him right into the kitchen at sat down in the chair directly across from him.
“I need to talk to you,” I said staring him in the face. “I don’t like Declan any more than a friend. I like this boy Liam-” Before I could say another word his hand was up in the air directing me to stop speaking.
“I know exactly who you’re talking about and I forbid you to see him. He is a liar, a cheater, and I don’t approve,” he said returning to his tea and scone. “Look, I know Declan. He’s like a son to me and I know you’ll like him too.”
“Just because you had problems with Liam’s father doesn’t mean he’s the same,” I said to plead my case.
“Like father, like son, my dear. And I won’t say another word about it.” I stood up from my chair, red faced, went into the sitting room and got straight into my e-mail. I desperately needed to vent.
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To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Sophie-
Drama, Drama, Drama. That’s all I can say to sum up my life right now. There’s good news, bad news, and very confusing news. First I’ll go with the good news. I finally met the mystery boy, who by the way I think is the love of my life. His name is Liam and he’s absolutely gorgeous from every angle. Last night I ran into him (literally) when I was walking to the bathroom in a pub. We talked and danced the whole night, and he’s basically perfect: It’s a little too good to be true. Ah! And that it is. Here comes the bad news. Declan (the guy who likes me but I don’t like and my Uncle basically forces on me) was there, and not very excited to see Liam and I together. As for the confusing news. Turns out that Liam is the son of a man named Jim, who my Uncle Jack once did business with. Unfortunately, business ended badly and Jack hates Liam’s father, therefore, he hates Liam. I don’t know what to do but I know that I’m not letting Liam go. That’s for sure! However, in the midst of the unfortunate aspects of my life at the moment, Liam makes me forget my troubles. I know I’m turning into a total sap over here but I can’t help it. I’m meeting him tomorrow after school and I can hardly wait till then!
Your lovesick friend, Sarah
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The day continued as if it was in slow motion but I went to bed early because I was eagerly and impatiently awaiting Tuesday’s arrival.
Since I had gone to bed so early, I also woke up early. I had time to have a leisurely breakfast and a considerably long shower. I put on a little make-up and wore an enormous smile on my face. I arrived early at the bank to meet the girls, but I was glad to wait outside. The morning sun was warming the town as it rose over the chimneys and it felt good as it shone on my face. When they came off the bus, all four of us had news of our new and hopeful relationships and all sorts of gossip from our exciting night out.
“I really think I’m getting somewhere with him. He’s going to come around, don’t you think?” Kate asked us, referring to Declan. Advice is what you ask for when you already know the answer but wished you didn’t, so I decided to tell her what she wanted to hear.
“I’m sure he will.” However, I knew there was no relationship developing between them. I didn’t want her to be bitter at me for suggesting she give up trying. Thankfully, she missed the part where Declan tried to punch Liam out of jealousy for me. Declan had behaved like an ass. I wondered what Kate could possibly see in him?
“So what about you, Deirdre? Who was the cute lad you were chatting with?” Kate asked.
“His name’s Tommy. I didn’t get to talk to him for too long because I told him I was starting to feel sick and I had to go. I gave him my mobile number and he sent me a text yesterday to see how I was feeling.
“That’s really sweet!” I said.
“Okay so anyways,” Kiara said as she began to ramble off, “James and I didn’t talk th
at much either.”
“Oh, that’s okay. You can talk to him more the next time we’re out,” Deridre said, reassuring her.
“Oh, no, no. I think you misunderstood me. We weren’t talking because our mouths were busy,” she said, giving us each a wink and a giant smile. The three of us looked at her and laughed.
“Okay. So I’m meeting Liam after school,” I said, preparing to tell them my story. I couldn’t exactly explain that I had a slight dilemma because Kate would be furious. “But honestly guys, I think I’ve fallen in love!” I said, shocked at myself for feeling that way. The four of us walked happily in a line the rest of the way to school, each of us with a smile on her face and a certain handsome someone on her mind.
“At least we have Celtic Mythology today. It’s the least boring class and that will make the day go by faster,” I told them, hoping that it would in fact go by faster than usual. “The faster it goes, the sooner I see him again!”
Before class started, everyone caught up on the events of their long weekend. Miss Dwyer entered the classroom and we partook in our usual morning ritual. We stood for her and recited the Hail Mary and the Our Father then sat down and prepared to hear stories and learn of new and exotic creatures. Instead, she told us some very exciting news.
“Our class will be taking a camping trip,” she began animatedly. Everyone looked around, confused but intrigued. “We will be spending one night sleeping amongst the stars at the Devil’s Bit.” We then looked around wanting to hear more. “We will hike, tell stories, and maybe even conjure up some of the ideas I have introduced to you to during class these last few months.”
“This is going to be so much fun!” I said, not realizing the teacher was still talking and I had shouted out to the class. Miss Dwyer laughed.
“Agreed, Sarah,” she said, delighted to see someone else feeling the same way. “The Devil’s Bit, as many of you may know, is an enchanted place, and we will embrace the mythological scenery within the forest. I organized this for your class only because I think you deserve something extra related to Celtic Mythology. Also, I think we should show Sarah a little something outside our town,” she said, smiling at me.
“Wow, thank you so much. I’m really looking forward to it!” I told her. “When are we going?”
“In May. The weather will be a bit nicer, which will enable us to truly enjoy our surroundings,” she said, speaking as if, in her mind, she was already there.
We spent the rest of the time discussing the history of the Devil’s Bit and Miss Dwyer explained the “agenda for our adventure,” as she put it.
I left the school at the end of the day with permission slips to bring home to Jack and Una and a vast smile on my face. First, I was going to see Liam, and in addition to that I was eager for my trip to Dublin in two weeks, and now the trip to the Devil’s Bit, which sounded as though it was going to be amazing. As I left the building, alone, without any of the other girls, I had two unusual feelings. And I became worried. What if Liam didn’t meet me? What if he had already forgotten about me? I feared the embarrassment and the pain I would suffer. Then, on the other hand, I had butterflies flipping every which direction inside me. If he did show up, which I hoped and prayed that he would, I didn’t know what I would say to him. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I walked past the many shoe shops, past the post office and up toward the bank where I met the girls each morning and there stood Liam. He leaned against the wall, chatting with his friends and laughing extremely hard revealing his teeth. In his fit of laughter he looked toward me and noticed me approaching him. He ran toward me with a glorious smile on his face. He kissed my forehead as if he had been doing it for years, as if it was nothing, and he was comfortable enough with me to do so in front of his friends. It warmed my insides and I felt safe, allowing my butterflies to disappear completely. In just a day I had forgotten how he made me feel and how at ease I felt around him. One look into his eyes, and that was all the assurance I needed. He made me act completely natural, and when we were together I didn’t have a care in the world, and it felt good.
We held hands as we walked back toward my school. We crossed the street and headed toward a small path that went along the river.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you yesterday,” I said, shocked at myself for revealing such intimate information.
“I know. Me too,” he said returning the favor. “I feel like I’ve known you for years,” he said quietly. It was sweet how he became slightly embarrassed when he was saying something nice to me. We walked silently, enjoying each other’s company. We eventually reached a nice spot by the river with a tree and a patch of grass. We sat next to each other, leaning against the tree’s trunk.
“So Liam. I still don’t even know your last name,” I said almost not believing it myself. How did I feel so much for someone I hardly knew? It was beginning to freak me out.
“Carroll. Liam Carroll,” he said, laughing.
“So who are you anyway? What do you like to do? What’s your family like?”
“I’m assuming Aisling and Grainne informed you of our conflict at hand?” he asked.
“Yea, they did,” I said looking to the ground. I couldn’t even look him in the eyes.
“I don’t care. So you shouldn’t either,” he said. I looked up feeling completely reassured and smiled.
“I don’t care at all,” I assured him. “But my Uncle does.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said putting his hands on my face. They were warm and soft and comforting.
“Okay,” I responded.
“Anyways, on a happier note. Where do I begin? I, along with my three older brothers, play Rugby. My father played Rugby, as did all his brothers. I have one sister. She’s seven. My mother died just after my sister was born, so my aunt took care of us for a while when we were young. I want to go to college after school and I want to be a doctor, but don’t tell anyone that part. Nobody else knows.”
I put my hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry about your mother. I had no idea.”
“Don’t,” he began. “I’ve spent my whole life grieving. It’s mostly hard seeing my dad. He’ll never get over it.” He started looking upset and I quickly changed the subject.
“Okay, now my turn!” I said putting my voice and mood back into a higher and more enthusiastic pitch. “My father is a carpenter and my mother is a teacher,” I began. “I’ve one sister, Morgan, but she’s already in college. I don’t play any sports. I love to write but still, I have no idea what I want to do when I go to college. Pretty much I don’t have my life quite as figured out as you have. I’m happy to be here. I was bored at home, kind of lost I guess. It sounds stupid I’m sure, but I just felt I needed to leave. I needed a break to search for the real me. It’s very cliché, but something was missing from my life in Syracuse.”
“Have you found it here in Thurles?” he asked.
“I think I just might have,” I said smiling at him shyly, and blushing. He too was smiling.
Chapter 12
Liam and I agreed to meet after school on Wednesday and he planned on walking me to work. Time was flying by now and I wanted to leave Ireland with no regrets and as many memories as my mind could hold. I dreaded Friday night when I again had to go to the movies with Declan. I refrained from telling Liam about it because I didn’t want him to get jealous or upset with me. I truly liked Declan as a friend and as a friend only, but so long as he did not stop liking me as more than a friend, and so long as Jack supported Declan’s quest, I had to go out with him, however much against my will.
I kissed Liam’s cheek at the front of the shop before I went inside to go to work and he walked back to town to catch the next bus.
“I’ll see you tomorrow after school,” he said as he walked away down the street. I smiled and blew him a kiss.
Aiden was already at work in the kitchen, chopping up vegetables and pre-making bowls of salad.
“Hey Aiden! How are you?” I said
practically floating through the kitchen.
“Someone’s in a good mood,” he said, noticing that I was on cloud nine.
“Right you are.” I said making my way through the swinging door and into the restaurant. I had arrived before Carolyn and Catriona and began to set the tables. I turned the music to an upbeat station and danced around as I set the tables, singing into the spoons like they were microphones. I was so utterly caught up in my stimulating work ethic that I didn’t even notice the two girls enter the restaurant. They were now standing at the bar watching me and laughing hysterically.
“Nice show, sweetie!” Carolyn said after she turned the music down.
“Bravo!” Catriona added.
“Oh, I didn’t even notice you come in,” I said laughing at myself in a bit of awkwardness. “Anyway,” I began, hoping we could pretend they had missed all that, “I already set the tables. We just have to clean the floors and the bathrooms.” They stood there for a couple of minutes more just staring at me and we all eventually went our separate ways to get back to work.
As soon as I unlocked the door at six o’clock sharp, Mary, Bill, Eimear, Nora and her mom arrived to sit down and have a quick bite to eat. Since no one else was in the restaurant yet, I sat down with them to chat for a few minutes.
“How is everything? Do you like working in the restaurant?” Mary asked me.
“Hi! Sarah,” Eimear said tugging on my arm to catch my attention. “Can I please have a fizzy orange?”
“Sure, you can sweetie.” By the time I came back with her drink they were all ready to order. They didn’t stay much later than seven, leaving right around the time when four women came in together. Catriona waited on them but I observed the women as they drank their bottle of white wine and discussed their lives. From the way they were dressed and took care of themselves, it appeared that they had money. They talked about their husbands quite a bit. When I helped Catriona serve them their main courses they had complaints and changes. They were the kind of customers we liked to call “high maintenance”. Our work was cut out for us, running in and out of the kitchen, waiting on them hand and foot. Not many more customers came in during the night. Since it was so quiet, we were able to close at nine-thirty instead of ten. I decided to grab a snack from the shop and go up to the house for a bit. Joe was upstairs helping Bill get ready for bed and Eimear, Mary, and Biddy sat in the sitting room. Paul wasn’t around and I suspected he was with James and Eoghan somewhere. There wasn’t much on television, which gave us a chance to talk more.
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